The bill enhances the regulatory framework for agriculture in New Mexico by updating the administrative and enforcement powers of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. It introduces a new section, 76-1-6, which establishes a progressive penalty system for violations of state agricultural laws, potentially leading to license suspension or revocation. Willful non-compliance with penalties is classified as a fourth-degree felony, and the Department is empowered to seek injunctions against violators without requiring a bond. The bill also amends the Pesticide Control Act, increasing fee caps for pesticide registrations and licenses, and clarifying certification requirements for private applicators, with administrative penalties for violations reaching up to $5,000 per infraction.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Bee Act, Fertilizer Act, Pecan Buyers Licensure Act, Egg Grading Act, Weights and Measures Act, Weighmaster Act, and Petroleum Products Standards Act. Key changes include the introduction of new definitions, increased licensing fees, and the establishment of administrative penalties for violations, which can also reach up to $5,000. The bill mandates that funds collected under these acts be directed to New Mexico State University for administration and enforcement purposes. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen compliance, enhance environmental protection, and ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products in New Mexico.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 76-4-1, 76-4-6, 76-4-20, 76-4-22, 76-4-23, 76-4-34, 76-4-38, 76-4-39, 76-5-12, 76-5-13, 76-5-15, 76-5-16, 76-5-19, 76-5-20, 76-5-21, 76-5-25, 76-5-26, 76-5-27, 76-5-28, 76-9-1, 76-9-2, 76-9-3, 76-9-5, 76-9-7, 76-9-8, 76-9-11, 76-9-12, 76-9-13, 76-11-3, 76-11-4, 76-11-5, 76-11-6, 76-11-7, 76-11-10, 76-11-11, 76-11-12, 76-11-13, 76-11-14, 76-11-15, 76-11-16, 76-11-17, 76-11-18, 76-11-19, 60-16-1, 60-16-2, 60-16-7, 60-16-8, 76-19A-12, 76-19A-15, 25-6-1, 25-6-9, 25-6-12, 25-6-16, 57-17-1, 57-17-2, 57-17-3, 57-17-4, 57-17-6, 57-17-7, 57-17-8, 57-17-10, 57-17-12, 57-17-18, 57-17-19, 57-17-20, 57-18-1, 57-18-2, 57-18-7, 57-18-11, 57-19-25, 57-19-27, 57-19-34, 76-1-6, 57-19-36, 57-18-8, 76-4-15